Review of The Apartment (1960) by Adrian B — 07 Sep 2010

With another look at "The Apartment," I think it is safe to say I loved it better watching it the second time around, even it is already in my Top 10 All Time Favourites. The score, the performances, the screenplay, and Billy Wilder's direction are absolutely superb and the blend of both comedy and drama is purely magnificent. Lemmon and MacClaine are stunning in this film, with both having career-defining moments, along with director Billy Wilder. It is my favourite film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture and remains bright and sharp fifty years after its release.

Now if you have seen "The Apartment," watch the film Double Indemnity because there are viewing similarities to these two films, other than fact both were directed by Billy Wilder. I will give the similarities in which I caught. First, both are set with a work setting in an insurance firm. Second, both include Fred MacMurray as a wicked human being (more so in Double Indemnity though). Third, adultry is committed in both films and MacMurray is involved in both. Finally, both are outstanding films under to Billy Wilder's resume (Double Indemnity is also in my Top 10 and my favourite film from Wilder). It is funny my favourite Best Picture nominee is DOuble Indemnity while my favourite Best Picture winner is The Apartment. It is amazing how great a director he was!